Criminal records in Broome County, New York, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. BroomeCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the New York State Unified Court System, the Broome County Sheriff's Office, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Broome County Clerk's Office, which maintains court documents going back to 1986.
How to Search Criminal Records in Broome
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Broome County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- BroomeCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information by name or case details.
- New York State Unified Court System (WebCivil Supreme) — The state court system offers online case searches for Supreme Court and County Court cases through the WebCivil Supreme portal at iapps.courts.state.ny.us. You can search by party name, attorney name, or index number.
- Sheriff's Office news releases — The Broome County Sheriff's weekly arrest reports list recent arrests, though not all arrests or investigations are posted.
- NY DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup — To check whether someone is currently in state custody, use the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool.
In Person
- Visit the Broome County Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Binghamton. The Clerk's Office maintains court documents and a limited number of closed felony files from County Court. Review the Criminal History Search FAQs before visiting, as many criminal files are stored at the court rather than the Clerk's Office.
- Public access terminals may be available at the Broome County Courthouse for searching court records on-site.
By Mail or Written Request
- County Clerk: Submit a written request to the Broome County Clerk's Office for court document copies.
- FOIL Requests: Under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), you can request records from the Sheriff's Office or other county agencies in writing.
- State Criminal History: For official rap sheets, submit a request to the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Fingerprint-based background checks are processed through DCJS and require fingerprinting at an authorized location.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number or index number (if available)
- NYSID number (for criminal justice agencies only)
Search Broome Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that identifier is the fastest route to finding case details. New York court case numbers follow specific formats depending on the court level:
- County Court / Supreme Court: Cases use an index number format, typically structured as a year followed by a sequential number (e.g., 2024-0123). The year indicates when the case was filed.
- Local and town/village courts: These courts may use their own docket numbering systems. The format varies by jurisdiction within Broome County.
- Criminal Court cases: Criminal matters in lower courts are often identified by a docket number assigned at arraignment. The number typically includes a court code, year, and sequence number.
When searching by case number through the state court system's online portal, enter the index number exactly as it appears on court paperwork. If the number includes dashes or prefixes, include them. Partial numbers may not return results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Broome
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | References the specific section of New York Penal Law or other statute (e.g., PL 155.30 — Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree) |
| Severity | Classified as felony (A through E), misdemeanor (A or B), or violation/infraction |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations; the amended charge replaces or supplements the original |
| Multiple Counts | A single case may include several charges, each listed separately with its own statute reference |
Case Status
- Pending: Case has been filed but not yet resolved
- Active: Case is currently proceeding through the court
- Disposed: Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed: All proceedings, including sentencing and post-judgment matters, are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: First court appearance where charges are read and bail is set
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in felony cases to determine whether probable cause exists
- Pre-Trial Conference: Scheduling and negotiation hearing before trial
- Trial: Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing: Court imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing: Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with court orders
Court Results
- Guilty: Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty: Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed: Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Adjourned in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD): Case is adjourned and dismissed after a set period if no new charges arise — common in New York courts
- Sealed: Under New York CPL § 160.50, cases that result in a favorable termination (dismissal, acquittal) are automatically sealed
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Broome
Through the Broome County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk maintains court documents and can provide copies of filed court records. A limited number of closed felony files from County Court are warehoused at the Clerk's Office, but many criminal files remain with the court itself.
- Visit the Clerk's Office in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the case name, index/docket number, and the specific document you need.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy and certification fees.
Downloadable request forms are available on the Broome County Clerk forms page.
Through the Sheriff's Office
The Records Division of the Broome County Sheriff's Office maintains official records related to police operations. Requests for arrest records or incident reports can be submitted through a FOIL request.
Through the State (DCJS)
For an official New York State criminal history record (rap sheet), contact the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Individuals can request their own record through the Record Review process, which requires fingerprinting. Employers and agencies authorized by law may request background checks through DCJS as well.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Broome
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photocopy of court document | $0.65 per page | Standard rate per New York CPLR § 8019 |
| Certification of document | $1.25 per certification | Added to copy cost; per New York County Clerk fee schedule |
| Exemplified copy | $5.00 | Includes certification with county seal |
| DCJS criminal history record search (personal review) | $50.00 | Fingerprint-based; submitted through DCJS |
| FOIL request copies (Sheriff's Office) | $0.25 per page | Per New York Public Officers Law § 87 |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk's Office: Often fulfilled the same day for records that are on-site. Older or archived records may take several business days to retrieve.
- Mail requests: Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return.
- FOIL requests: Agencies must acknowledge receipt within 5 business days and generally respond within 20 business days, though complex requests may take longer.
- DCJS criminal history review: Processing times vary; allow several weeks for fingerprint-based results.
Payment methods accepted at the Broome County Clerk's Office typically include cash, check, and money order. Contact the office directly to confirm current accepted forms of payment.